FF VIII, FFX, and FFXII are my three favourites in the series for a combination of story and gameplay.

Important thing to note is when they were released and on what console as this does change what the game looked and felt like, I struggle to go back to the PS1 titles now but easily replay PS2 and up. FFX was the first PS2 title. FFXIII Was the first PS3 title. FFXV was the first PS4 title.

If you are after a shooter type, try out FFVII: Dirge of Cerberus (PS2, released after FFX to be confusing) You play as Vincent Valentine and it is more of an action/shooter based title

FFXV also is an 'active' system where you can choose if it pauses while you are in a menu mid battle etc, but feels more spammy/action based. Can be pretty fun with the combo's etc if you ever played and liked Kingdom Hearts combat.